Kerala has an abundance of natural attractions spread across its 38,863 sq. km area. Among the several spots to discover is the beautiful biodiversity, also popular as a home to wildlife. Such protected areas offer an expansive landscape and safeguard the flora and fauna. If you are keen on exploring these national parks in Kerala but unsure of where to start, don’t worry, as this blog can help out.
The mini guide shares an insight into the most popular scenic lands that will attract wanderers, trekkers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

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How many National Parks are there in Kerala

Kerala has  six national parks:

1. Eravikulam National Park
2. Silent Valley National Park
3. Mathikettan Shola National Park
4. Pampadum Shola National Park
5. Anamudi Shola National Park
6. Periyar National Park

List of National Parks and wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Travel to Kerala and you’ll find some of the most incredible wildlife communities. The animals feel protected, happy, and at peace here. These are the top 10 parks you can add to your bucket list:

1. Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is the largest national park  in Kerala, spread over 97 sq. km. Its misty surroundings and calming meadows instill a sense of peace and belongingness to nature. What’s special about the national park is that it is home to the endangered mountain goat, Nilgiri Tahr, and was built to preserve them. The place is divided into three parts: core, buffer, and tourism. While the first two zones are restricted to protect the ecosystem and animals, travellers can visit the tourism region in Rajamala.
Eravikulam Sanctuary has earned the title of the best National Park in India for 2025 by the Ministry of Environment.

Location: Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala 685612
Entry Fee: INR 200
Timing: 8 am to 2 pm

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2. Silent Valley National Park

The Silent Valley is one of the rare bio spots in the world, owing to its extensive presence of flora and fauna. With more than 108 orchid species and 1,000 plant species sprawling across the land, this national park is one of the scenic places in Kerala. Apart from being a well-known evergreen rainforest, this place is also home to lion-tailed macaques. You can book a jungle safari or set up a camping tent here with the assistance of the concerned authorities.

Location: Mukkali P.O, Mannarkkad, Palakkad – 678582
Entry Fee: INR 50
Timing: 8 am to 1 pm

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3. Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve

The Periyar National Park  is the most popular among all national parks in Kerala. It is popular as a tiger reserve and a hosting ground for eco-tourism programs. Along with a rich flora and fauna, this tourist spot also attracts visitors through its boating. You can enjoy a 1.5-hour trip around the lake and spot sambar deer and elephants along the way. One can also spot birds like kingfishers, egrets, and darters resting on the tree trunks.

Location: F67H+7F Mlappara, Kerala
Entry Fee: INR 155
Boating Fee: INR 255
Timing: 6 am to 7 pm

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4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

The wildlife sanctuary of Wayanad is formed by Muthanga and Tholpetty, two disconnected pockets of the town. This route was declared a reserve in 1973 and is a part of the Elephant Project. So, while you explore the park, you can find herds of elephants enjoying their natural habitat. Approximately 75% of the area is enveloped by eucalyptus, rosewood, teak, and silver oak.

Location: Bathery- Puthupally Road, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592
Entry Fee: INR 20
Timing: 7 am to 10 am; 3 pm to 5 pm
A herd of wild elephants is enjoying a bath in the calm river inside Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

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5. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

This national park in Kerala is perfect for travellers who would love to witness wild goats and an enchanting natural view. The protected area of Idukki is famous for overlooking the Thoovanam Waterfalls and dry deciduous forests. It is also home to the grizzled giant squirrel, a species on the verge of extinction. If lucky, you’ll be able to see peacocks, wild bison, and spotted deer.

Location: 8644+PC6, Munnar – Udumalpet Road, Munnar, 685612
Entry Fee: INR 10
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm

6. Pambadum Shola National Park

Although Pambadum is a small wildlife sanctuary compared to others in Kerala, its dense forest area promises that you’ll not get bored. It has the perfect trekking trail amid evergreen forests and shola grasslands. As you begin covering the trail, you’ll find flying squirrels, leopards, tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, and giant gizzard squirrels. Pambadum National Park also acts as a passage for animals to move from Palani Hills to Eravikulam and vice versa.

Location: 47G5+M73, Pampadam National Park Road, Vattavada, 685615
Entry Fee: INR 125
Timing: 6 am to 11 am; 3 pm to 6 pm

7. Anamudi Shola National Park

The national park is a part of the World Heritage Sites of the Western Ghats and sprawls over 7.5 sq. km. Its thick forests, rich biodiversity, and expansive meadows lend a peaceful site to the visitors. Head out to Anamudi and catch a restful sight of flying squirrels, leopards, Indian wild dog, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri marten, and civets. This place is not only perfect for witnessing wildlife but also for trekking and enjoying a day of solitude.

Location: 55RG+4WC, Kanthalloor-Perumala Road, Kannan Devan Hills, 685620
Entry Fee: INR 125
Timing: 8 am to 6 pm

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8. Neyyar Dam & Wildlife

The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area, known for its rich biodiversity and peaceful environment. Its vast presence of flora and fauna makes the place perfect for wildlife explorers and naturalists. Try spotting bison, leopards, sambar, elephants, and other species while you tour the place, but make sure you don’t disturb them. Since there’s a dam along with the sanctuary, you can book a boat ride with your buddies and observe wildlife from the edge of the water.

Location: G5M2+J4C, Kallikkad, 695572
Entry Fee: INR 10
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

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9. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Travel to Thiruvananthapuram and you’ll be surrounded by dense forests, endangered species, and thrilling trekking trails. At Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, there’s flora and fauna everywhere, making sure you spend the day in paradise. This national park in Kerala is popular for Asian elephants, Nigiri Tahr, barking deer, lion-tailed macaque, sloth bear, and wild boars. You’ll also spot bird species like the small sunbird, white-bellied treepie, and Malabar grey hornbill.

Location: Thiruvananthapuram District
Entry Fee: INR 50
Timing: 10 am to 6 pm

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10. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Did you know that Parambikulam was honoured with the WWF PATA Bagh Mitra Award in 2013? This tiger reserve is a beautiful place where nature and humans coexist peacefully. You can spend a day exploring the natural glory of this park or book a jungle safari for an adventurous expedition. The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is also home to four tribes: Maduvar, Kadar, Mala Malasar, and Malasar. Several natives of the tribes are employed here as guides by the Department of Forests and Wildlife.

Location: Anappady, Parambikulam Road, 678661
Entry Fee: IRN 15
Timing: 7 am to 3 pm

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